How to wow in a video job interview

Wouldn’t you love to feel fabulously confident and know how to wow the recruiter in a video job interview? I asked Sarah Broad at Attune Jobs to share her top tips for ambitious women in technology and professional services to wow in a video job interview.

Attune Jobs specialises in the recruitment of talent into flexible roles across all business functions in law and professional services firms.

The global recruitment landscape

Interviews held online or Skype are becoming more commonplace because in a more global recruitment landscape, in which more employees work remotely, they can be an important tool to accelerate the interview process.

Video interviews are unlikely to ever replace the face-to-face interview but more firms are using them as part of the process. As recruitment specialists and interviewers, we know these can be difficult:

• it is harder to build rapport
• there are time delays
• the added pressure of setting up the video platform.

Top tips to wow in a video interview

1. Treat this exactly the same as you would a face-to-face interview. The interviewer’s objective will be the same – can you do the job? So do your preparation, research the firm and its culture, and have your questions ready. You could also ask beforehand what is the main purpose of the interview – is it a fact-finding interview by the interviewer or will there be competency based questions and an opportunity to share your work experience and skills?
2. Check your equipment and check the sound – make sure the microphone and webcam are all in working order. Use a friend to test it out and even better practice the interview with your friend so you get used to the potential time delays. You may also speak too fast or fidget too much so you can correct those as well.
3. Position the camera so it captures your head and shoulders and make sure you are sitting comfortably. The interview may last an hour or so, so make sure you act like you are in the interviewer’s office or meeting room and not your bedroom.
4. Look directly into the camera – you want to make ‘eye contact’ with the interviewer, which means looking at the camera and not the screen. Again practice this before the interview.
5. Declutter your space and have a good light. We have worked with clients who have held interviews where they can see the candidate’s washing drying – off putting for the interviewer when you want all their attention on you! Have a simple background.
6. Dress appropriately as if you are attending in person. Dress professionally and the full outfit! Do not make the mistake of only dressing the top half – we do not want to see your pants (Yes, this has happened!).
7. Do not be late for the interview, make sure your technology is all set up in plenty of time before the interview and you are ready.

Just remember this type of interview should be approached the same way as a face-to-face interview – you will have the added technical pressures so practice beforehand and good luck!

Thank you Sarah for your top tips. Have you had a video interview? Leave a comment below and let us know about your experience.